Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for February 27 to March 4

This week: pamper your pooch, celebrate First Nations coastal dance, explore Salt Spring without leaving town + more

Swank Wedding Show – February 27

Planning a wedding needn’t be stressful with the Swank Wedding Show at your service. The local showcase, which began as The Groom Show in 2015, has grown to include a bridal fashion show, mock wedding set-ups and ethnic-specific wedding inspiration, including an entire floor dedicated to Indian weddings. Of course the show maintains equal focus on the gentleman of the day with groom-oriented vendors offering tips on wine, whisky, apparel, grooming and more.

6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street

Western Front Art Auction & Gala Dinner – February 27

Celebrate and support the local art industry at Western Front’s Anniversary Gala Dinner & Art Auction. The East Van venue, one of Canada’s leading artist-run centres for contemporary art and new music, is recognizing 43 years with an exciting live auction. The night begins with a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course dinner from Hawksworth Restaurant and performances by Aram Bajakian and Remy Siu. The auction will feature over 30 works donated by leading local and international artists, available for preview in person on February 25 throughout the day or during a 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. reception.

$185, 6 p.m.
Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue

Self-Publishing Fair – February 27

Do you have a story you want to share with the world? Industry experts provide insights and advice on self-publishing at the Vancouver Public Library this weekend. Featuring presentations from Canadian publishers and book designers such as Promontory PressFirst Choice Books and Spica Book Design, the Federation of B.C. Writers seminar will help make your dreams of authorship a reality.

Free, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alice MacKay Room, Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street

Pet Lover Show – February 27 and 28

Pamper your favourite family member this weekend at the Vancouver Pet Lover Show. This year you can bring your dog along to participate in a lure course competition (waiver required), or attend seminars on animal agility, caring for “weird and wonderful” pets and more. With prizes that include an Okanagan getaway, a houseboating adventure and pet supplies, the Pet Lover Show is well worth a visit.

Adult tickets $12, Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TRADEX Centre, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford

Credit: Tourism Richmond

The Oscars at the Rio Theatre – February 28

Walk the red carpet, grab a grilled cheese and find out if Leo finally wins Best Actor at the Rio Theatre’s live screening of the 88th Academy Awards. The free event, which includes bar service (19+) and commercial break contests, makes watching the biggest film awards of the year a lot more fun than sitting on your couch. This year’s Oscars ceremony will be hosted by comedian Chris Rock and as always celebrates the best in film in 24 distinct categories.

Doors open at 3 p.m., red carpet begins at 4 p.m.
1660 East Broadway

Vancouver International Dance Festival – February 28 to March 19

For three weeks, an eclectic range of contemporary dance styles will collide at the 16th annual Vancouver International Dance Festival. Featuring local and international artists, the festival includes butoh, aboriginal, hip hop, flamenco and ballet styles, exposing local audiences to a variety of high-quality performances, classes and workshops that celebrate the diversity of dance at venues throughout the city.

Various times and locations

The Mandelring Quartett – March 1

The Mandelring Quartett, considered one of the top classical quartets in the world, is back in Vancouver. This time the three Schmitt siblingsSebastian, Nanette and Bernhardare joined by their latest addition, Andreas Willwohl. The award-winning group will perform an emotive repertoire comprised of Haydn’s Quartet in D Major, Goldschmidt’s Quartet No. 2 and Brahms’s Quartet in C Minor.

8 p.m., Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street

Coastal First Nations Dance Festival – March 1 to 6

The Dancers of Damelahamid are partnering with the UBC Museum of Anthropology for a six-day celebration of culture and heritage. The festival features various Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast of North America, including Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Kwakwakawakw, Gitxsan, Tsimshian, Nisga’a, Haida, Tagish and Tlingit Nations, who will be sharing their rich cultural traditions through stories, song and dance. International groups from New Zealand and Australia have also been invited, creating a global community through Indigenous dance.

Tickets start at $20
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., UBC Museum of Anthropology, 6393 North West Marine Drive

Credit: TenBC

Out for Lunch – March 4

The latest in Vancouver Art Gallery’s Out For Lunch concert series features classical guitarist Louise Southwood playing arrangements by Tarrega, Dowland, Bach and York. The lunchtime concert series, offered on select Friday afternoons, is free with gallery admission or membership; however, the small venue fills quickly so be sure to arrive early to guarantee your spot.

12:10 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street

Salt Spring in the City – March 4 to 6

Known as a hub for acclaimed artists (including Emmy and Oscar winners), Salt Spring Island is hosting a three-day village market in the heart of the city. Artisans will take over Vancouver’s Heritage Hall for a market-meets-art-show that reflects the island’s bohemian vibe through food, fashion, paintings, pottery, wine and crafts.

$4 (kids under 13 free), 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street